Photo spot in Indore
Rajwada Palace
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
The seven-storey Holkar-dynasty palace at the heart of the old city, a striking blend of Maratha, Mughal and French style, floodlit at night.
Best time
Early evening into blue hour, when the lights come on and the square fills with people; early morning for a clear view before the traffic builds.
Best angle
Stand across the square in front of the palace and take a wide, straight-on photo that fits all seven storeys, from the studded wooden door to the balconies at the top.
Entry fee
₹20
Opening hours
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Rajwada Palace
Early evening into blue hour, when the lights come on and the square fills with people; early morning for a clear view before the traffic builds. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Rajwada Palace
Stand across the square in front of the palace and take a wide, straight-on photo that fits all seven storeys, from the studded wooden door to the balconies at the top. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the floodlit façade
In the palace forecourt
Outfit guide
What to wear at Rajwada Palace
For photos at Rajwada Palace, maroon, gold and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Rajwada Palace.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Rajwada Palace.
Eat nearby
Food near Rajwada Palace
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for indori poha-jalebi nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Good to know
Local tips
Come back after sunset to see the façade lit up.
Photograph the full seven storeys from across the square in front of the palace.
The palace museum is usually closed on Mondays.
Walk to Sarafa Bazaar, about 300 m away, for street food after 9 pm.
Visit the Holkar cenotaphs at the Krishnapura Chhatris, about half a kilometre away by the Khan river.
Keep your bag in front of you in the busy market streets around the palace.
Expect huge crowds and road closures on Rangpanchami and Anant Chaturdashi.
About Rajwada Palace
Rajwada, also called the Holkar Palace or Old Palace, stands at the heart of Indore's old city. Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty, began building it in 1747. The seven-storey gateway is its best-known sight: the lower three floors are stone and the upper floors are wood, with rows of balconies and windows above a huge iron-studded wooden door.
The palace has been damaged by fire more than once and was restored again between 2017 and 2023. Inside is a courtyard with an arched Ganesh hall, and the palace now runs as a museum. Rajwada is also the city's meeting point: Sarafa Bazaar is about 300 m away, and the Rangpanchami and Anant Chaturdashi processions pass through the square in front of it.
Questions
Rajwada Palace — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Rajwada Palace?
Early evening into blue hour, when the lights come on and the square fills with people; early morning for a clear view before the traffic builds. Stand across the square in front of the palace and take a wide, straight-on photo that fits all seven storeys, from the studded wooden door to the balconies at the top.
Is there an entry fee at Rajwada Palace?
Entry to Rajwada Palace costs ₹20. Prices change, so treat that as a guide and confirm at the counter.
What are the opening hours of Rajwada Palace?
Rajwada Palace is open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays).
What should I wear at Rajwada Palace?
Maroon, gold and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Rajwada Palace get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early evening into blue hour, when the lights come on and the square fills with people; early morning for a clear view before the traffic builds.
What food should I try near Rajwada Palace?
Try indori poha-jalebi, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Rajwada famous for?
Rajwada is the seven-storey palace of the Holkar rulers, begun in 1747 by Malhar Rao Holkar. It is famous for its tall gateway of stone and wood and as the centre of Indore's old city and its celebrations.
Can I go inside Rajwada?
Yes. The palace reopened in 2023 after a long restoration and now runs as a museum, with a courtyard and an arched Ganesh hall inside. It is usually closed on Mondays.
How much time do I need at Rajwada?
About 1 hour is enough for the palace and photos of the façade. Stay into the evening to see it lit up, then walk to Sarafa Bazaar for dinner.
What is there to see near Rajwada?
Sarafa Bazaar is about 300 m away, Kanch Mandir is under a kilometre away in Itwaria Bazaar, and the Krishnapura Chhatris, the Holkar cenotaphs by the Khan river, are about half a kilometre away.